Shape Up Like the Stars

At DS we spend our days fawning over Lauren Froderman’s fabulous legs, Ashly Costa’s impressive abs and Maud Arnold’s awesome curves—so naturally we wanted to know how these pros stay in such great shape. Turns out, they work hard to maintain their totally toned bodies. But they’ve also found ways to keep fitness fun. So what are their go-to exercises for feeling good and looking great? Read on!

Maud Arnold, tap dancer

Workout she swears by: Cuerpaso, a class designed by her brother, Tadeo, a celebrity fitness trainer. “It’s a full-body workout that uses a soccer ball and Latin dance moves to tone all of your hot spots. Cuerpaso targets my ‘problem areas’—my stomach, thighs and butt. Plus, my brother doesn’t let me slack off, so I get results fast. I love being challenged physically, feeling like the workout is nearly impossible, and then realizing I’m actually able to do it.”

How it helps her dancing: “It makes me stronger overall. If I can squat 45 pounds, holding my own weight tap dancing feels like a breeze. My core is solid, and I’ve built major stamina.”

Her favorite way to get sweaty: “In tap class with lots of other dancers and no air conditioning. I feel like I’m accomplishing something when I’m dripping with sweat.”

Her best fitness tip: “Being healthy is a lifestyle, not something you do when you feel like it. Commit!”

Amy (copyright Miami Dolphins, LTD)

Amy, Miami Dolphins cheerleader

Workout she swears by: Indoor cycling classes. “They give fast results and you feel great at the end of class. It’s also up to you to choose how hard to push yourself.”

How it helps her dancing: “We perform on the sidelines of every home game—that’s up to four hours at a time. Cycling helps build endurance, which we need from the start of the game to the final seconds.”

Her favorite way to get sweaty: “Going for a morning jog before the sun gets too brutal. It feels wonderful to exercise outside while enjoying a cool breeze.”

Her best fitness tip: “If you want to be healthy inside and out, you need to give your body the natural fuel it needs: food! The foods you eat will ultimately get you the results you want. Treat your body with respect, and it will love you back.”

Lauren Froderman (by Vince Trupsin)

Lauren Froderman, winner, “So You Think You Can Dance” Season 7

Workout she swears by: “I love the elliptical machine!”

How it helps her dancing: “Having slim, strong legs improves my extensions and helps me move in a grounded, swift, powerful way. I get that from the elliptical.”

Her favorite way to get sweaty: “I love trying different exercise classes, like Zumba, indoor cycling and barre method.”

Her best fitness tip: “Stay hydrated and stay motivated. Results don’t happen overnight, but you’ll feel better every time you get up and do something to stay in shape.”

Anderson in George Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15 (by Paul Kolnik)

Marika Anderson, corps de ballet member, New York City Ballet

Workout she swears by: Gyrotonic, a holistic approach to exercise designed to increase strength, flexibility and energy.

How it helps her dancing: “It lengthens and strengthens my body, and it has taught me how to use my muscles differently. My trainer has a good eye and comes to the ballet often, so she can offer tips on how to strengthen certain areas.”

Her favorite way to get sweaty: Bikram yoga.

Her best fitness tip: “Find something that inspires you and that you connect with. Otherwise, working out can be a struggle.”

Ashly Costa (by Omi)

Ashly Costa, professional, “Dancing with the Stars”

Workout she swears by: Core work. “I do a mix of Pilates, planks with twists on each side and sit-ups on an exercise ball. I love the burn that comes from core exercises, and if you work consistently, you see real results.”

How it helps her dancing: “As a dancer, your abs are some of your most important assets. Core strength helps you maintain good form and posture in all dance styles. Without a strong core, I can’t dance my best.”

Her favorite way to get sweaty: “Dancing the jive!”

Her best fitness tip: “Do something you love that also challenges you.”

These Are A Few of Our Favorite Sweat Songs

Whether you’re stretching or strength training, a good workout playlist can make all the difference in your moves—and your motivation! Here’s what the stars are working out to right now.

•“Take Him Out” by Mya, featuring Spice; and “Diva” by Beyoncé —Maud Arnold

•“One minute I’ll be rocking out to Jennifer Lopez and David Guetta, and then I’ll switch to country songs by Luke Bryan. Any song with a great beat is perfect for working out.” —Amy